Tanzanian opposition leader appears in court for treason trial

20/5/2025 7:14

Tanzania's main opposition leader Tundu Lissu told his supporters to have no fear as he appeared in court on Monday on charges including treason, as President Samia Suluhu Hassan warned foreign rights activists against interference.



Lissu, who was appearing in court for the first time since his arrest, had earlier refused to participate in a hearing on April 24 because authorities conducted a virtual, rather than an in-person trial.



On Monday he entered the court with his fist raised in the air as supporters chanted "No Reforms, No Election", according to a video of the courtroom shared by his CHADEMA party on X.



"We will be fine. You should not fear," Lissu said as he took his place in the dock, waving victory signs.



Lissu, who was shot 16 times in a 2017 attack and came second in the last presidential poll, was charged with treason last month over what prosecutors said was a speech calling on the public to rebel and disrupt elections due in October.